Employee Groups Ok Contracts

The two largest bargaining groups of Broward County employees have overwhelmingly approved new contracts calling for initial salary increases of 3 percent.

The 1,000 or so bridgetenders, carpenters, lifeguards, mechanics and others represented by the Federation of Public Employees would get 3 percent hikes on Oct. 6 and an additional 5 percent in mid-March.

Secretaries, clerks and cashiers represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1591 also would receive a 3 percent hike beginning Oct. 6. Those employees, who number about 1,400, are also eligible for merit increases ranging from 2.5 to 7.5percent.

The County Commission is expected to ratify both agreements on Tuesday.

County firefighters, who are split into two separate bargaining groups, are still negotiating their contracts with county officials.